Category Archives: learning difficulties

Parents of disabled children ‘desperate’ for committee to reconsider cuts to short breaks

June 19, 2014   Carers, Featured Article, learning difficulties, ukcuts

Desperate: Rose Charles and grandaughter Sophie

By Daniel O’Brien

PARENTS at a special primary school in Whetstone who have had all council funding for its ten-day summer break scheme withdrawn say they are “desperate” to be be able to ask councillors to cancel the cut.

Oakleigh School in Oakleigh Road North, which caters for children with severe and complex learning and physical difficulties was one of ten service providers to have their short-break funding cut by the council in April.

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People with learning disabilities need more information to help them vote

June 17, 2014   Carers, Featured Article, learning difficulties

With less than a year to go until the general election, politicians and electoral officials must do more to drive up votes

. Photograph: Cecilia Colussi/ Demotix/ Corbishar
There are many barriers preventing people with learning disabilities exercising their right to vote. Photograph: Cecilia Colussi/ Demotix/ Corbis

So many major news stories emerged from this year’s local and European elections – from Ukip’s European triumphs to the woes of the Lib Dems and Nick Clegg – that one local controversy went relatively unnoticed. This was the allegation – made by local Labour MP Kate Green – that an unnamed councillor in Trafford had been heard to say in a polling station that a person with a learning disability “shouldn’t be voting”. To her credit, returning officer Theresa Grant immediately launched an investigation into the matter.

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Norman Lamb MP opens new cafe in Cromer run by adults with learning disabilities

March 17, 2014   Carers, learning difficulties, Norfolk

Norman Lamb MP helps launch the About With Friends cafe in Cromer

Norman Lamb MP helps launch the About With Friends cafe in Cromer. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY . PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

Sunday, March 16, 2014
4:21 PM

A cafe run by adults with learning disabilities has been opened in the heart of the high street – providing its staff with the opportunity to gain experience at work.

The About With Friends Cafe in Cromer is run by the charity’s members with help from support staff and will serve a full menu.

The cafe, at the former Blue Danube in Tucker Street, was opened yesterday by MP for north Norfolk Norman Lamb.

Helen Dalton-Hare, chief executive of About With Friends, said it provided a brilliant opportunity.

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